Coastal Bend H.S. football preview capsules: Week 2

Preview of this weekend's high school football games

GEORGE GONGORA / SPECIAL TO THE CALLER-TIMES
The Carroll offense got on track a little bit last week when Charles Miles (25) scored the Tigers' first offensive touchdown of the season. Miles has rushed for 94 yards.

CORPUS CHRISTI - Preview of this weekend's high school football games:

Carroll (0-2) at Gregory-Portland (2-0)

Last week: Flour Bluff 22, Carroll 14; G-P 41, Alice 21

Next week: Calallen at Carroll (Cabaniss); G-P at Rockport-Fulton

The scoop: It has been a rocky start to the season for the Tigers, who have 218 yards of offense and two offensive touchdowns in two games. Carroll did show signs last week by putting together two lengthy scoring drives against the Bluff and had another potential scoring march short-circuited by two key penalties and a turnover. RB Charles Miles scored Carroll's first offensive TD of the season and leads the team with 94 rushing yards. QB Brian Mendez has scored the other Carroll TD. The situation is much different across the bay. The Wildcats, who are seeking their fourth consecutive Battle of the Bridge win, busted out of a two-game offensive funk to beat the Tigers 40-15 last year. There is no funk this season. Behind the running of Devin Bisby (410 yards, five TDs, an 8.5-yard average), G-P is averaging 390 yards and 42 points per game. Wildcats coach Matt Anastasio admits it would help if G-P could begin using other players on a more regular basis. "We've got to get better at getting the ball to the outside edge. We're not very good at it right now and that's one of my main concerns," Anastasio said. "We've got to take the eyes off him a little bit. But it's nice that we can just give him the ball. It's our O-line as well. I mean, he's getting hit but he's getting hit by linebackers at about six, seven yards (downfield)." QB Brandon Gonzales has chipped in with 210 passing yards and two TDs, Seven G-P defenders are in double digits in tackles, led by DB Mickie Erwin (24), linebacker Ezra Soto and DE Diego Tabera (17 each) and LB Aaron Estrada (16).

The scoop: The longtime area rivalry continues even with Kingsville being reclassified as a Class 3A team. QB John "Bam" Houston is the key to the Brahmas' offense, averaging 116 rushing yards and 130.5 passing yards per game. He ran for 93 and three scores in last week's win over Rockport-Fulton, giving him five TDs for the season. RB David Cavazos has been a solid offensive resource after Houston, gaining 5.9 yards per carry. WR Chris Lykins has been Houston's go-to target via the pass, catching eight balls for 158 yards. Alice QB Oscar Resendez and the Coyotes will have to be wary of Kingsville DB Aaron Villarreal, who intercepted four passes in last week's win over R-F. Turnovers are something Alice can ill afford as was witnessed last week when the Coyotes gave up the ball seven times. Resendez ranks as Alice's top rusher (179 yards, three TDs) and passer (45.5 completion percentage, 259 yards, two TDs and interceptions). Robert Ramos had added 108 rushing yards.

Flour Bluff (2-0) at Calallen (2-0)

Last week: FB 22, Carroll 14; Calallen 21, Weslaco East 7

Next week: FB open; Calallen at Carroll (Cabaniss)

The scoop: The Hornets already have seen the best and the worst this season. They're unbeaten but three turnovers and 14 offensive penalties have made the final scores of the first two games closer than many might have predicted. A priority has been placed on reducing those mistakes this week against fourth-ranked Calallen. "On drives we've done that, we've been highly efficient this year. On drives we haven't, we've been ineffective," Bluff coach Darrell Andrus said. "Our main focus this week is being consistent, taking care of the football and trying to eliminate some penalties. We're still working with a relatively inexperienced offensive line." That line took another hit with guard Tucker Villarreal, the lone returner up front, likely out with a knee injury. The Hornets got sophomore RB Charles Gaines back last week and he will help an offense paced by QB Kolton Mims, who has rushed for 199 yards and two TDs and thrown for another 184 and three scores. Defense is the strongest point for both ballclubs at this stage of the season — the Hornets allow only 175 yards per game and Calallen has allowed only 148.5 and but one offensive TD. Last week, the Wildcats limited Weslaco East to 128 yards. But longtime Calallen coach Phil Danaher frets about the Hornets' size and speed. "I think the strength of their offense, of course, is their quarterback and their skill people, because if you miss a tackle on them and it's liable to be seven points," Danaher said. "Mims does a good job in play-making. He makes a lot of things happen, and he's got a good arm." Junior Robert Maldonado leads Calallen in rushing with 121 rushing yards and two TDs while junior QB Derek Scheible has stepped into the starting role and has completed 50 percent of his passes for 177 yards and also has rushed for 116 yards and two TDs.

Beeville (1-1) at Cuero (1-1)

Last week: Ray 28, Beeville 21; Victoria West 40, Cuero 19

Next week: Ingleside at Beeville; Cuero at Somerset

The scoop: Turnovers caught up with the Trojans again in last week's loss. A lost fumble led to Ray's third touchdown of the second quarter and a lost fumble in the final minute sealed the Texans' win. Last week a fumble return for a score by Kingsville tied the game, but Beeville eventually won it in overtime. Roger Salazar (151 yards, three TDs) keys the running attack and QB Cameron Kremers has thrown for 210 yards and two scores. Linebacker Joey Granados (14 tackles), DT Brent Puga (12) and LB David Garcia (10) key the defense. The Gobblers eked out a one-point win over Wharton before West rolled up 399 yards in last week's rout. Cuero hasn't had problems offensively, averaging 357 yards per game. Turnovers (seven) and defense (402 yards per game) have been. The Gobblers definitely prefer to travel by air — QB Blake Reeve has thrown for 551 yards and three TDs. Ross Reimenschneider (12-192) and Justin Rossett (19-187) have been his favorite targets.

West Oso (2-0) at Miller (1-1)

Last week: WO 52, Riviera 7; T-M 50, Miller 22

Next week: WO at Tuloso-Midway; Miller bye

The scoop: If you're going to stop the Bears you have to stop the run. So far, that hasn't happened. Oso topped the 300-yard rushing mark again last week, piling up 384 against Riviera. RB Justin Perez, who rushed for 284 against Moody in the opener, was limited to 151 but he scored five times. Billy Luster also topped the century mark in rushing with 160 and a TD and Kyle Lewis pitched in with two rushing TDs. The Bears have outscored opponents 52-0 in the first half this season. For the Buccaneers, they are looking to get healthy and for some improvement after getting run out last week. "We just want to get healthy. I think we've improved. We battled back in the second half against Tuloso-Midway. So that was a stepping stone, going in the right direction," Miller coach Remy Rodriguez said. "We're doing OK but we're getting to the point where we're improving each week and that's our goal. We want to get prepared for district." Despite nursing a turf toe injury, Miller QB Tyrell Clay has thrown for 224 yards and two TDs. Rodriguez also pointed to WR Jesse Franco (11-143, one TD), LB Jesus Loredo and OT Aric Benavides as players off to good starts. This is the Bucs' final tune-up before District 31-4A play begins a week from Thursday against Laredo Martin at Buc Stadium.

Tuloso-Midway (1-1) at Mission (2-0)

Last week: T-M 50, Miller 22; Mission 13, Brownsville Hanna 7

Next week: West Oso at T-M; Mission at Pharr Valley View

The scoop: T-M's Brian Boone got his first coaching win since he was at Brazos in 2007. It also snapped a 14-game losing streak dating to 2010 for the Warriors, who busted loose for 644 yards against Miller. The Warriors clicked on all facets offensively while limiting the Buccaneers to 163 yards, paced by LB Orlando Pena's 12 tackles. Two runners topped the century mark in rushing, with Tyler Smith running for 214 yards and three scores and Matthew Dickson adding 137 and a TD. Sophomore QB Caleb Rozypal had his best game as a varsity player, completing 8 of 10 passes for 157 yards and two TDs with an interception. Mission has matched last season's win total and it has done it mainly with a defense that has allowed only 26 points and 149 yards. The Eagles make their offensive bones through the air, although the Eagles average a modest 242 yards per game. QB Juan Rios has thrown for 301 yards and three TDs. Two of those have been caught by WR Nick Garza, who has six catches for 101 yards. This is the Eagles' final test before District 32-4A play begins next week.

Ray (2-0) vs. King (1-1)

When: 6 p.m. Saturday (at Buc)

Last week: Ray 28, Beeville 21; King 52, Moody 26

Next week: Ray bye; Victoria East at King (Buc)

The scoop: The Texans are off to a 2-0 start for the first time under coach Cody Simper and their best beginning since going 4-0 in 2007. Both ballclubs are capable of turning in big plays and proved it last week. Three of the Texans' four TDs covered at last 32 yards last week — Marcus Mosley threw scoring passes of 32 yards to Ben Brooks, 88 yards to Matt Merino and 46 yards to Armando Garza. Mosley, who has thrown for 616 yards and seven TDs, added a scoring run for Ray. The Mustangs, meanwhile, scored big and often against Moody after struggling against Flour Bluff in the opener. Five TDs were big ones. Dominique Lane returned a kickoff 79 yards for a score, Bronze Jackson threw TD passes of 90 and 70 yards to J.J. Dallas and added a 64-yard scoring run and Dallas returned an interception 95 yards and a kickoff 50 yards for TDs.

Jackson's 121 rushing yards and 316 passing yards lead the Mustangs, while Dallas has five receptions for 242 yards. Both teams have allowed its share of yards on defense as the Mustangs allow 393.5 yards per game and the Texans 286.5. After this game, Ray is idle until opening District 31-4A play against Moody in two weeks.

Rockport-Fulton (0-2) vs. Moody (0-2)

Where: Cabaniss Field

Last week: Kingsville 21, Rockport-Fulton 14; King 52, Moody 26

Next week: Gregory-Portland at Rockport-Fulton; Moody, bye

The scoop: R-F had to adjust last week with two of its leaders gone for the season. In replacing the top two safeties — Ray Allen and Isaiah Mendiola — the Pirates allowed Kingsville to complete eight of 11 passes. That may not play well against Moody, which is averaging 308.5 passing yards a game and will take shots all night long at depleted secondaries. Michael Cantu has thrown for all the yards for the Trojans and has four touchdowns to go with four picks. Cantu has a big weapon in Chris Jones, who has 219 rushing yards to go with 169 receiving yards. Moody's issue, however, has been on the defensive side, where the team has given up almost 400 yards a game and has allowed more than eight yards per play on average. That might be the opening R-F needs, as Domingo Gonzalez did a solid job subbing in for Mendiola at running back, picking up nearly 100 yards. But the Pirates need to cut down on the four interceptions thrown last week.

Somerset (2-0) at Port Lavaca Calhoun (2-0)

Last week: Somerset 54, Canyon Lake 35; PLC 56, La Vernia 40

Next week: Cuero at Somerset; PLC bye

The scoop: The scoreboard might short out trying to keep up with the points in this one. Port Lavaca has thrown one pass in two games this season, rushing for 642 yards last week. Devian Cantu (105 yards) and Hunter Boerm (127) topped 100 yards, but Cory Williams went off for 342, and the Sandcrabs are averaging just less than 500 rushing yards a game. Somerset's Koy Detmer, Jr. (529 passing yards, 5 TD, 0 INT) will be a challenge to deal with in the passing game, especially with Donald Perez (27-158, 4 TD) at running back. The Bulldogs are averaging 48 points a game, so this should be a test. PLC LB Marcus Klamm, with 17tackles, four for loss, will have to have another standout game to shut down Somerset.

Palacios (2-0) at Aransas Pass (2-0)

Last week: Palacios 49, Tidehaven 6; Aransas Pass 47, Robstown 20

Next week: Palacios at Van Vleck; Orange Grove at Aransas Pass

The scoop: Aransas Pass keeps running down opponents, but with different rushers doing the damage. It was William Butler and Victor Gonzalez in the opener. Last week it was Matt Johnson, going for 193 yards on 14 carries and five touchdowns a week after rushing for 40 yards on 11 attempts. That diversity is tough to handle. The Panthers' offense should get a fair test from Palacios, which returns nine starters to the defense and has allowed nine points a game on average this year. The Sharks' offense features a balanced attack led by QB Anthony Garcia. He could provide problems for an AP defense that surrendered 239 passing yards last week to Robstown.

Ingleside (1-1) at Odem (1-1)

Last week: Ingleside 22, George West 14; Odem 40, Taft 14

Next week: Ingleside at Beeville; Odem at Robstown

The scoop: Ingleside adjusted well last week, moving from one style to another. A week after facing quick-strike Refugio, the team had to hold off deliberate George West with its methodical running attack. The Mustangs defense fared well and the offense got going in the second half. RB Marquis Barrolle (33-159 1 TD) got moving in the second half, saying he felt more secure with his ankle, which he injured last year. Tristen Barajas (27-53 3 TD, 2 INT, 435 yards) seems to still be getting on the same page with new receivers, but definitely is on target with Skyler Shugart (11-246 3 TD). Ingleside's defense allowed two sustained drives, but played well, with big plays from LB Christian Britt. Odem, too, reversed directions last week, moving Jake Ray to quarterback and having him run down the Taft defense, with 129 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries. Former starting QB Hunter Rodriguez still is a threat in the backfield.

The scoop: Sinton has dealt with a rash of injuries lately, but should return RB/DB Keith Garcia this week, after he was out last week against Yoakum. The return of Garcia, who had 142 yards on seven carries in the opener, should help QB Tyler Handson, who was feeling under the weather last week when facing Yoakum. The more pressing matter is if the defense will hold its own, especially with the loss of the Pirates' two starting defensive tackles. Juan Puga, the Rio Hondo passing quarterback who can also hightail it and scramble, still leads the Bobcats. He's hit 80 percent of his passes for 305 yards this year, but has thrown two picks against one touchdown. Puga (24-167) and Hernan Guerrero (10-150) have done the damage on the ground as well. If nothing else, the teams know each other well, having faced one another three times over the past three years.

Banquete (2-0) at Robstown (0-2)

Last week: Banquete 40, John Paul II 14; Aransas Pass 47, Robstown 20

Next week: Banquete, bye; Odem at Robstown

The scoop: After gearing up to send out David Molina as quarterback, Robstown decided to stick with Riley Ramos, who delivered 239 passing yards last week. The problem was Aransas Pass already had run through the Cotton Pickers and it was a game of catch up. That would be a major issue against Banquete, which is averaging 42 points a game and has RB Jacob Gonzalez (31-347, 7 TD). The Bulldogs defense also is giving up only 3.3 yards a play — 3.2 per rush — which presents another issue for Robstown.

The scoop: Orange Grove will be without one of its premier playmakers for the foreseeable future. Rayce Gatlin, who plays receiver and safety, had an ankle bone broken last week, when he was face-masked and horse-collared. That means the Bulldogs will turn to even more to the ground game, in which QB Ruben Lopez and RB Rickey Martinez combined for 361 yards last week. Lopez also can pass, hitting for more than 100 last week, but Gatlin's big-play ability will be missed. George West will run as well, using power ball, misdirection and some sleight of hand. QB Brady Jones sets the stage for the offense, with Andrew Katzfey providing the runs between the tackles and Matt Martinez and Lucas Barcak capable of breaking big-gainers. Jones also is a hard-hitting safety — he forced a fumble last week — more than capable of providing support in the run game. Jesse Harros, playing along the front seven, also forced a fumble last week

Refugio (2-0) at Lago Vista (2-0)

Last week: Refugio 56, Edna 0; Lago Vista 29, Grandview 28

Next week: Both teams have byes

The scoop: After some uncharacteristic miscues in its season-opening win at Ingleside, last week was a return to normalcy for defending Class 2A Division II champion and top-ranked Refugio. QB Travis Quintanilla (845 yards, 11 TDs) hasn't missed a beat while Louie Whetsel has emerged as a multidimensional threat with three touchdowns rushing and three receiving. This is a long trip for Refugio, but part of coach Jason Herring's goal of a tougher pre-district schedule for the Bobcats.

Taft (0-2) at Crystal City (0-2)

Last week: Odem 41, Taft 14; Cotulla 20, Crystal City 19

Next week: Both teams have byes

The scoop: Two teams seeking their first win of the season have had eerily similar results, with both losing a game by a point and being blown out in the other. Taft can't afford to fall into a 22-0 first-quarter hole like it did last week. Turnovers also have been a problem for the Greyhounds, who've lost the ball seven times during their first two games. Trent Selby has been an early threat for Taft, scoring via the air and ground during the first two weeks.

The scoop: Bishop enters this week having shed an albatross in the form of a 15-game losing streak that dated to Oct. 15, 2010. The 34 points were the most for the Badgers since a 34-14 victory at Premont on Oct. 9, 2009. Bishop had been held to single digits in seven of 10 games last year. The Badgers will look for continued improvement from new QB Robert Olivarez, who took over after Dillon Gonzales was lost for the season with an injury.

Rivieria (1-1) at Falfurrias (2-0)

Last week: West Oso 52, Riviera 7; Falfurrias 34, Freer 6

Next week: Riviera, bye; John Paul II at Falfurrias

The scoop: After an impressive zero week romp over Bishop, Riviera was overwhelmed by Class 3A West Oso. QB Ryan McKee, who tossed two TD passes and ran for two more in the opener, will need to restore order. Falfurrias is off to the program's first 2-0 start since 2005. The Jerseys have been led by steady RB Marcus Cortez, who has 210 yards and three TDs.

San Diego (2-0) at Freer (1-1)

Last week: San Diego 48, Eastside Memorial 0; Falfurrias 34, Freer 6

Next week: San Diego at Santa Maria; Freer, bye

The scoop: San Diego's offense hasn't taken long to get going, with the Vaqueros averaging 38 points per game so far. RB Luis Lopez, who rushed for more than 2,000 yards last year, is on a similar pace, with 490 yards and seven rush TDs through the first two weeks. He added another score through the air last week. Freer, meanwhile, took a step backward after a 62-0 rout of Benavides in the opener. Finding a way to slow San Diego's unrelenting ground attack will be paramount for the Buckaroos.

Cotulla (1-1) at Hebbronville (0-2)

Last week: Cotulla 20, Crystal City 19; Ben Bolt 14, Hebbronville 0

Next week: Both teams have byes

The scoop: Hebbronville's new Double-Wing offense has struggled to take flight during the first couple weeks, with only 14 points on the scoreboard so far. Albert Alaniz has carried the Longhorns' ground game so far, with 165 yard and both of his team's scores. Longhorns QBs, though, have combined to complete just two of six passes.

Mathis (1-1) at John Paul II (1-1)

Last week: Mathis 35, Skidmore-Tynan 19; Banquete 40, John Paul 14

Next week: Goliad at Mathis; John Paul at Falfurrias

The scoop: Mathis got its first victory in the Class 2A ranks last week, which helped purge the bitter taste of a 44-0 trouncing by Banquete in the season opener. New Pirates QB Anderson Rubio has run for 112 yards and two TDs and thrown for another. John Paul had its own difficulties with Banquete last week after opening with a victory over Taft. Centurions RB Zack Gatlin has been very effective, averaging 7.5 yards a carry with nearly 100 yards per game on the ground.

Skidmore-Tynan (0-2) at Kenedy (2-0)

When: 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Mathis 35, Skidmore-Tynan 19; Kenedy 30, Pettus 13

Next week: Skidmore-Tynan, bye; Woodsboro at Kenedy

The scoop: The old rivals meet with their fortunes going in opposite directions. Skidmore-Tynan has averaged 12 points so far, and saw a close game turn into a blowout after allowing 21 third-quarter points last week. QB R.J. Estrada hasn't thrown much, but has tossed two TD passes. He'll need more help from the ground game. Kenedy is led by RB Cedric Mejia, who's run for 159 yards and two TDs this year.

Woodsboro (2-0) at Santa Gertrudis (0-2)

Last week: Woodsboro 41, Leakey 34; Bishop 34, Santa Gertrudis 19

Next week: Woodsboro at Kenedy; Santa Gertrudis, bye

The scoop: Woodsboro is 2-0 for the first time since 1992 and has blasted out of the gates this year, putting up 85 points during the first two weeks. A year ago, the Eagles didn't score their 85th point until the season's second-to-last game and were shut out in five of the first six weeks. RB DeBray Bonner has been an early standout. Santa Gertrudis' defense has struggled so far, giving up 82 points. Meanwhile, the Lions need to crank up a running game that is averaging just 2.63 yards per carry.

Natalia (0-2) at Three Rivers (2-0)

Last week: Lytle 35, Natalia 33; Three Rivers 43, Nixon-Smiley 14

Next week: Natalia, bye; Three Rivers at George West

The scoop: The move to Class A has gone swimmingly for Three Rivers, which opened its home slate with a blowout win. RB Wesley Guzman had a strong game last week, rushing for 172 yards and three TDs on just 10 carries. Jesse Perez (13.2) and Paul Almendarez (12.8) also are averaging double digits per carry, giving the Bulldogs some nice depth.

Ben Bolt (2-0) at Benavides (0-1)

Last week: BB 14, Hebbronville 0; Benavides bye

Next week: Pettus at BB; Bishop at Benavides

The scoop: Ben Bolt is off to a 2-0 start for the fourth consecutive season under coach Jeff LeFevre, and the Badgers have their sights set on a third consecutive postseason appearance. The Badgers rely on a ground game keyed by RBs Rudy Lopez and Ivan Gonzalez. After running wild in the opener at Agua Dulce, Ben Bolt had to survive a defensive tussle last week. Benavides had an open week after opening with a 62-0 loss at Freer.

Santa Maria (1-1) at London (0-2)

Last week: SM 49, Pharr Oratory Academy 0; Runge 52, London 0

Next week: San Diego at SM; London at Monte Alto

The scoop: The Cougars got off the deck last week to pummel Pharr Oratory. Defense was the story as Santa Maria allowed only 37 yards and one first down. Felix Cantu intercepted three passes, returning one for a TD, and Isai Garcia had a pick and fumble recovery. At quarterback, the Cougars start a freshman, Isaac Ortiz, who threw for two TDs last week. The Pirates' first-year of labor in the varsity ranks continued last week with the road loss. London is seeking its first offensive TD of the season. "We're just struggling offensively," London coach Robbie Moreno said. "We got it handed to us last week in Runge. The first one was competitive." QB Jake Voss has rushed for 78 yards and thrown for 78 to lead the Pirates. RB Jose Briones has added 41 yards rushing and has the team's lone TD on an 80-yard kickoff return in the 8-6 loss to Lasara in London's first varsity game.

Agua Dulce (1-1) at Monte Alto (1-1)

Last week: Agua Dulce 30, Bloomington 26; Bruni 49, Monte Alto 6

Next week: Agua Dulce, bye; London at Monte Alto

The scoop: Agua Dulce bounced back from a tough opener to claim its first win of the season last week, coming from behind to take the lead in the third quarter. The Longhorns had two 100-yard rushers in Damian Garza and A.J. Jiminian, while QB Dacota Deaver threw for 120 yards, targeting Chris Charles, who had a 66-yard reception among his 76 receiving yards. Defensively, AD shut down Bloomington in the second half, led by Trey Mann, who made 15 tackles and had a 60-yard interception return for a score. Monte Alto's first game as a varsity program was a whipping of Pharr Oratory. Last week they had a taste of a different level of football during a beatdown by Bruni, surrendering 35 points bin the first quarter.

Sabinal (1-1) at Pettus (0-2)

Last week: Sabinal 35, La Pryor 7; Kenedy 30, Pettus 13

Next week: S.A. Brooks at Sabinal; Pettus at Ben Bolt

The scoop: Pettus has become more of a ground-based team, throwing only six times last week. Casey Jones (20-91, 1 TD) had a nice game, but Sabinal could present problems, having forced nine turnovers so far this season. The Yellowjackets strike a nice balance between run and pass on offense, with several different options to turn to.